Stanlo Photography
When Gavette and Eugene first met it was June 2018. They crossed over during a night on the town in DC while they were both playing wingman and wingwoman for mutual friends. And although Gavette wasn’t planning on going out and meeting her person that evening, she had actively manifested and prayed for him to show up in her life. She was reminded of this almost three years after they first met as she was preparing to marry Eugene. She came across a list she had written seven years earlier as a single and was searching for the exact characteristics that her future husband should include.
“I discovered the list while going through my journal entries to prepare to write my marriage vows,” she tells ESSENCE. “Eugene had all the qualities I asked God for and a lot more. The answer that Eugene was the one became even clearer. ”
On May 21, 2021, Gavette walked down the aisle to meet Eugene and make things official. They said “yes” in front of 125 family and friends and even more loved ones who streamed their ceremony online. The couple had to cut their guest lists and change their plans because of the pandemic, but they were more grateful than ever for each other and the love they celebrated with everyone they saw – face-to-face and virtual.
“The pandemic has changed our perspective to be fully aware of the reason for the day,” she says. “The reason was to celebrate God’s love for us and our union. Acknowledging the real reason made the day even more special. ”
Check out all of the lovely pictures from their Birmingham, Alabama wedding below, and learn more about how they planned their special day and what love story led to it.
Providers:
Wedding planner: Brittany Sharp, the sharp standard
photographer: Stanley Babb, Stanlo Photography
Florist: Flower and petal
Videographer: Devin Wyatt, Wyatt Productions
Venue: Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley
Receiving location: The club
hair: Tracy Oliver Spates
Makeup artist: Tiffany Logan
wedding cake: Kristal Bryant, K & J’s Elegant Pastries
Stationery: Lisa Zachery, Papered Wonders, Inc.
Officer: Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley, Rev. Dr. Jonathan McPherson, Rev. Michael Newton
Would you like your wedding to be featured in Bridal Bliss? Email us some wedding photos and the story of your big day with a few quotes at bridalbliss@essence.com.
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How the bride knew that she would find one thing
Gavette knew Eugene was the one when she realized she felt a strong sense of peace with him. “Eugene has been consistent through good times and bad times,” she says. “I prayed for Eugene early on in our relationship and the answer was always clear that he was my prayer answered.”
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02
How the bridegroom knew he had found the one
For Eugene, a surprising 27th birthday party in his honor sealed the deal for him on Gavette. It was his first surprise party that his close family and friends attended. “She showed not only a love for me, but also for my family.”
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The application
Eugene asked the question to Gavette on November 22, 2019 when they were at Nationals Park in DC for the Enchant Christmas DC Maze. Working closely with her parents to make the moment a reality, he asked for her hand in the midst of the vast maze of lights while she was surrounded by her friends and relatives.
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04
The venue
“We chose the Church because it is one of the most beautiful churches in Birmingham, Alabama, and the pastor, Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley who is a good family friend, ”says Gavette. She had also been to a reception in the hall they had chosen in 2011 and fell in love with it. “We wanted a formal black tie evening event that exuded our love and excellence,” she says. “We shared the idea with our wedding planner, Brittany Sharp from Sharp Standard, and she created the entire vision.”
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05
The groom’s most unforgettable moment
“Take Gavette’s hand after her parents’ last blessing.”
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The bride’s most unforgettable moment
“I walk down the aisle and see Eugene’s reaction to me,” says Gavette of her moment of choice. “It made me feel like we were the only two people in the entire church.
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07
Jump with the broom
Can we talk about the air they trapped in that moment? Impressive!
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It’s a party – a wedding reception
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09
An outstanding achievement
This beautiful cake was made by Kristal Bryant from K & J’s Elegant Pastries.
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Mr. and Mrs. go to the dance floor
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12th
Glow sticks and good vibes
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How they settle into married life
“We have settled in well into married life,” she says. “I am so excited to be married to my answered prayer.” Eugene agrees. “I feel like I’ve been married to her forever.”
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